Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

Work can be stressful — looming deadlines, tasks gone wrong, and a never-ending to-do list make it sometimes feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. While it may be tempting to power through, the truth is that when our minds are not at their best, neither is our work. Stress and poor mental health can lead to missed deadlines, low-quality work, and a more challenging workplace environment for everyone.

A 2022 survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association, found that more than 27% of U.S. adults have such high levels of stress that they feel unable to function. A recent Gallup study found that 12% of employees call in sick due to work-related stress, and Mental Health in America reported in 2022 that 81% of workers report that workplace stress affects their health. 

With all of this data showing how mental health and the workplace are interconnected, one having an impact on the other and vice versa, taking care of your team’s mental well-being is critical to being a good employer and building a successful business. 

The Shift to Providing Workplace Mental Health Resources

With mental health becoming a more prominent topic worldwide, companies are taking note and incorporating mental health support into their employee benefits packages. Some of these initiatives include providing comprehensive mental health coverage in insurance plans, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and strategies to reduce workplace stress and foster a better work-life balance. 

At Answer Midwest, we believe that a well-supported team is happier and more successful both personally and professionally. Our company offers several programs to enhance our team members’ well-being. Just as we want our team to foster a supportive environment for our clients, we also want to demonstrate to them our commitment to a health-conscious work environment.

How Our Employee Care Service Program Works

A person’s well-being goes beyond the physical; it also includes mental and emotional health. Answer Midwest’s commitment to create an uplifting, supportive company culture where our team members feel heard and are excited to come to work was reinforced when we partnered with Marketplace Chaplains in 2023. 

As part of our Employee Care Service Program, Marketplace Chaplains is offered at no cost to our team, and this service connects our team with a Chaplain’s listening ear 24/7. The program is tailored for privacy and personalization, with Chaplains contacting employees monthly via their preferred communication method just to check in. The Chaplains offer a compassionate ear, guiding team members to further resources, such as counseling, videos, or educational materials. Notably, the option to pray is also available for team members who wish to share that experience with someone. 

A Valued Service for Everyone

The Marketplace Chaplains are there for our team members during their difficult times. This program, available to all team members, has strengthened our company culture and ensured that each individual feels genuinely supported. One of our team members, Lynn, shared about her positive experience with Marketplace Chaplains. 

With a lot going on in her life, Lynn values being able to reach out to someone who isn’t in the thick of it, just to have someone to comfort her and listen when she’s having “one of those days.” Lynn connected with Chaplain Amanda, who schedules specific times to speak with Lynn and also reaches out between meetings to check in on her and her needs. Amanda even overnighted Lynn some pamphlets after Lynn mentioned she wanted to work on worrying about things outside of her control. 

“She is a Godsend to me, and I so value this service,” Lynn says. “This program has been a blessing for me while going through the turmoil in my life.” 

Supportive Work Environments Make for Positive Team Spirit

The Marketplace Chaplains’ around-the-clock services underscore our commitment to our employees’ comprehensive support, ensuring they feel valued and successful in every aspect of their lives. We continue to be dedicated to maintaining a supportive environment where every team member has the resources and emotional outlets they need to thrive and experience professional and personal growth.

If you’re interested in joining an organization that cares about YOU and not just the work you do, come work with Answer Midwest!